EPIC UNIVERSE

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Universal Parks & Resorts’ latest ride patent may indicate a future ride headed to Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. Read: Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine hospitalized after gym bathroom attackThe patent, dubbed “Dark Ride Tower Systems Having Stationary and Adaptable Rooms,” describes a tower-like ride system with two levels: The first level is a stationary room and the second can change in configurations. “It is now recognized that the ability to simulate more complex viewing experiences in a relatively compact space may further enhance guest experiences,” said patent documents. Universal Orlando surprises travelers with Mardi Gras pop-up party at new OIA terminal Universal Orlando surprises travelers with Mardi Gras pop-up party at new OIA terminal (WFTV)©2023 Cox Media Group

Universal Studios Hollywood rolled out the red carpet Wednesday night for its newest attraction, Super Nintendo World.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Chevy Chase, Maryland-based The Buccini/Pollin Group Inc. wants to bring a new luxury Marriott-brand hotel to Central Florida near Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park that’s now under construction. Why it matters: New hotel construction creates temporary construction jobs and permanent hospitality jobs, as well as opportunities for vendors and suppliers. In addition, new investment can spur other projects to move forward nearby such as retail, entertainment and dining. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you would prefer having your Halloween Horror Nights scares any time of the year, then you might want to consider a trip to Sin City. Universal Parks & Resort and Halloween Horror Nights announced Wednesday that a year-round horror experience is heading to Las Vegas. JUST ANNOUNCED: we're bringing an entirely new year-round horror experience to you, Las Vegas. 😈 pic.twitter.com/76d7iV1RsQ — Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) January 11, 2023SEE: Universal to open new theme park in TexasA specific location or opening timeline is not yet known. The announcement comes off the heels of Universal also announcing Wednesday that it will be opening a theme park in Texas geared toward families with younger children.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Parks & Resort has unveiled plans to open a new theme park in Frisco, Texas. The new park concept will be geared toward families with young children, Universal announced Wednesday. JUST ANNOUNCED: Universal Parks & Resorts plans to bring a new concept for families with young children to Frisco, Texas! pic.twitter.com/5rsAyEAcMO — Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 11, 2023READ: Disney World in Texas? Houston-area judge attempts to lure company from Florida to Lone Star StateVideo: Universal announces new Epic Universe theme park to open in summer of 2025 Officials said construction of Universal’s brand-new theme park is on track for a summer 2025 opening.

Universal Studios Hollywood on Wednesday announced that Super Nintendo World will officially open to the public on Feb. 17. The park also provided specifics that give clues into what we can expect when the land opens within Epic Universe, Universal’s newest Orlando theme park, in summer 2025. READ: Universal announces timeline for the opening of its new Epic Universe theme parkGuests can also purchase Power-Up bands, wristbands that sync with the Universal Studios Hollywood free downloadable app to enhance many of its interactive elements, including collecting digital coins. Visitors will be able to take home memorabilia from Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory. The opening will mark the first Nintendo-themed land in the U.S., following the location at Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park is on track for completion by summer 2025, according to Universal officials during a news conference this week....

ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials said construction of Universal’s brand-new theme park is on track for a summer 2025 opening. Executives said the busy summer travel season is the perfect time to open the Epic Universe theme park. Photos: Universal announces new Epic Universe theme park to open in summer of 2025Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Universal announces new Epic Universe theme park to open in summer of 2025The theme park is being built along Sand Lake Road. Read: Universal Orlando to open first escape room experiences based on moviesUniversal believes national demand for themed attractions is high, and the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport may bring in even more tourists. See: Universal unveils new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience for 2023The park was initially expected to open next year, but was hit by delays from COVID-19.

Significant progress is being made toward the completion of Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Epic Universe.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Foundation work on one of Universal Orlando Resort’s future hotels serving the new Epic Universe theme park is underway -- marking a major point in construction. The expiration date of the permit, which may indicated the timeframe for the project’s completion, is June 30, 2025. Read: ‘Little Heroes’: 6-year-old twins help mother fend off attackerClick here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Universal Parks & Resorts has trademarked two names that may hint at the monikers of the new Epic Universe theme park’s future hotels. The description of both of those is for “hotel catering services, hotel service, provision of conference, exhibition and meeting facilities, resort hotel services [and] restaurant services,” said the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Read: Recall: Starbucks espresso drink recalled in several states due to possible metal fragmentsClick here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Happening Friday: Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

Universal announces new opening plan for Epic Universe theme park after pandemic delayORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Universal Orlando Resort’s next hotel property -- near the future Epic Universe theme park -- is starting work, despite most details still being kept secret. Read: Gunman at large after person robbed, shot in Orange County, deputies sayBill Finfrock, president of Finfrock Construction, declined to comment citing a confidentiality agreement. Executives with Universal Orlando were not available for comment. Video: Police say fight between teens led to evacuation at Universal Orlando parking garage Police said a fight “between several juveniles” led to evacuations at Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando third planned them park, Epic Universe is rumored to be planning an expansion area based off J.R.R. Universal’s Epic Universe which is scheduled to open by summer of 2025 is slated to have 5 different themed lands based on several popular IPs. “Epic Universe will be to bring the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth to the park. Tolkien as the backdrop for his two most well known creations, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Bits and pieces of Universal Orlando Resort’s future new theme park, Epic Universe, can be seen coming together from high up. Theme park fan and photo sleuth Bioreconstruct shared photos on its social media page that show behind-the-scenes work at Epic Universe -- the theme park set to debut in Orlando in 2025. The theme park is expected to have a Super Nintendo World land, and is rumored to have lands themed after Universal Monsters, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon and another Harry Potter-themed area. Images shared on June 19 show what appears to be roller coaster tracks, vertical structures at the rumored Classic Monsters area, as well as an overall aerial view of most of the future park.

Construction is underway with new roller coaster tracks arriving to the site of Universal Orlando’s third theme park ‘Epic Universe’ which opens in 2025. A delivery of track has arrived at Epic Universe! An Epic Universe Central Hub dueling coaster in the middle of the park. Rumored to be similar to Island’s of Adventure’s former ride, Dueling Dragons and it to be the most intense Coaster in the park in terms of size and speed. Universal’s Epic Universe is set be completed and open in 2025.

Jeff Shell, the CEO of NBCUniversal, discussed the economic condition of the company’s theme parks at the 24th Annual Credit Suisse Communications Conference Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Read: Central Florida lawmakers say financial impacts of dissolving Reedy Creek would be ‘dire’In addition, Fourth Watch named CPR Money LLC, an entity tracing back to Boston-based UC Funds, the current owner of the land. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Leaders reach deal to bring Brightline stop to I-Drive Local leaders say they've reached a deal to build a Brightline station to I-Drive before the train heads on to Disney. (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com)©2022 Cox Media Group

Universal Studios Hollywood announced Thursday that Super Nintendo World will officially open there sometime in 2023. pic.twitter.com/4qh0bDACGN — Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) March 10, 2022READ: Let’s-a go! Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World marks the first to debut in the United States. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Super Nintendo World (Universal Studios Japan)READ: ‘Let’s-a go!’: Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios JapanThe announcement was made on what is known as Mario Day, a celebration of the iconic Nintendo character. Super Nintendo World is rumored to be part of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park that opens in early 2025.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Universal Orlando Resort is working on several aspects of its new Epic Universe theme park, including future hotel components. Read: Universal Orlando to remove face mask requirement for fully vaccinated guestsExecutives with Universal were not available for comment. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Read: From milestones to new roller coasters: Here are the 9 biggest theme park stories of 2021Universal announces new opening plan for Epic Universe theme park after pandemic delayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2022 celebration artists©2022 Cox Media Group

Universal announces new opening plan for Epic Universe theme park after pandemic delayORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida theme park options are once again set to get more “epic.”Universal is now set to fully open its third Central Florida theme park by the summer of 2025. READ: Universal Orlando Resort resumes construction on Epic Universe, resort’s fourth theme parkComcast leaders discussed the opening of Epic Universe during an earnings call on Thursday. Epic Universe will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more, according to Universal. WATCH: Universal pauses construction on new Epic Universe theme parkThe park will be located a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current theme parks. “Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, said when the project was announced.

Universal’s theme parks are bouncing back from the pandemic in a big way, with record profits in the last few months and strong attendance growth, according to earnings reports released Thursday.

With attendance back up and profits rolling in, the delays Universal Parks saw during the pandemic are long gone. In Beijing, the Universal Studios resort...

Just hours before Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek was scheduled to speak, NBCUniversal’s CEO Jeff Shell made plenty of news with his candid openness during an...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe is set to open in the next couple of years as Florida’s theme parks report a return to normal following the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020. “I couldn’t be more optimistic and pleased with our businesses right now,” said NBC Universal, Comcast CEO Jeff Shell in a call with Credit Suisse. “We’ve had 11-million people go through the park and we haven’t had any outbreaks and we’ve done it safely.”Universal, which reopened its Florida parks in June of 2020, said it has yet to see any significant international tourism. The company also said it is seeing interest in its cruise lines, which are not currently sailing out of Florida, but expected to resume operations later this year. SEE: Universal’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster opensExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 VelociCoaster With less than two months before its debut, Universal Orlando Resort is sharing new photos of its Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort officially opened on March 31, 2014. This brand-new value and moderately-priced property is the fourth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort and evokes the classic, retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60’s. ORLANDO, Fla. — A hiring event kicked off Wednesday to fill hundreds of available jobs at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. The 2-day event is being held at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The locations include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort.

After several delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, “Super Nintendo World” at Universal Studios Japan is now open. The amusement park is a bigger-than-life-size replica of the company’s most famous games, featuring characters like Mario, Luigi and Yoshi. CNN’s Selina Wang got an insider’s look at the new park, showing how guests enter through the warp pipe. The opening comes as the global theme park industry is struggling and theme parks are reopening in a patchwork around the world. There are plans to open Super Nintendo World in other parts of the world, including Orlando, where the opening has reportedly been delayed until 2025.

click to enlarge Leslye Gale photo via Magic 107.7Halloween Horror Nights will back this fall and promises to be bigger and better than ever! – LINKWork has resumed on Universal Orlando Resort's fourth theme park, Epic Universe. We're now learning more about a rescheduled launch date nearly two years later than first announced. – LINKRegulations that kept many vaccine hopefuls away from the vaccination site at the Orange County Convention Center have been lifted. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings yesterday opened up the vaccine site to anyone who qualifies.

Work is finally resuming on Universal Orlando Resort's fourth theme park, Epic Universe. "The restart of construction of Epic Universe is a terrific moment for our employees and for our theme park business in Florida," said Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of NBCUniversal parent Comcast. It typically takes three to four years to build a full-scale theme park. The land was cleared in 2018, and it will be the first park Universal has built since 1999, when Islands of Adventure opened. Tom Williams, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, called it "the most immersive and innovative theme park we have ever created."

Work is resuming on Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe, the widely anticipated theme park that will create an entirely new level of theme park entertainment. Work on Epic Universe was halted last July due to the coronavirus pandemic. Universal said the work on Epic Universe will result in hundreds of jobs within the resort and thousands of jobs across Central Florida. “Our confidence in our collective future is as strong as ever.”“The resumption of the Epic Universe project couldn’t come at a better time,” Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.

click to enlarge Concept art courtesy Universal OrlandoConstruction work resumed on Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park project on Wednesday after being on hold for nearly eight months.Work on the park had gone on an indefinite hiatus back in July due to the coronavirus pandemic, but is restarting immediately — though it will take several months to get back to full momentum. Hiring new construction staff and securing vendors is happening now.“The resumption of the Epic Universe project couldn’t come at a better time,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in a press statement. “Our community has so many talented workers who will benefit from this massive project. I am confident it will deliver a huge economic boost to Orange County.”There was some speculation last year that the ambitious, multibillion-dollar Epic Universe concept might be permanently shelved , but this very public announcement of work resumption bodes well for anxious theme park devotees wanting to experience planned Epic properties like Super Nintendo WorldPre-pandemic, the park was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but that timetable will no doubt be pushed back somewhat.Universal Orlando claims that an up-and-running Epic Universe will create more than 14,000 permanent jobs to work the park. That's great news; they should give first dibs to qualified employees who were laid off en masse last year.

click to enlarge Photo via Universal Studios FloridaUniversal is halting construction on Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe, due to the coronavirus pandemic.On a conference call Thursday, Comcast CEO and chairman Brian Roberts announced Universal Orlando Resort will pause construction on the project. It was to open in 2023, becoming the Orlando area's first new theme park since 1999, when Universal opened Islands of Adventure (unless you count Holy Land Experience opening in 2002). "Nonetheless, we've decided to pause construction of Orlando's fourth gate or epic universe at this early stage. He mentioned that if parks remain closed through June the company would lose "roughly $500 million. "Universal Orlando was closed on March 15 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and is expected to remain closed at least until May 31.

Community leaders want to bring World Cup Soccer to the city beautiful and they have about 400-million reasons why. - LINK Universal Orlando is filing permitting papers for their new Epic Universe and from what we can see, they've got "beautifully" ambitious plans. - LINK One of Central Florida's most sought after Chicago style food trucks is going brick brick and mortar, opening a restaurant in Lake Buena Vista. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

Speaking to Orlando Weekly, Stella explained Epic Universe will be unlike anything previously seen in Central Florida. We already have confirmation of at least nine rides within Epic Universe. "Epic Universe has the possibility of being the most beautiful theme park in Central Florida." click to enlarge Image via NBC UniversalThe How to Train Your Dragon area of Epic Universe. At Orlandos Epic Universe, both the Mario Kart and Yoshi rides are in a Mushroom Kingdom-themed

click to enlarge Photo by Chad Sparkes/Flickrclick to enlarge Photo courtesy New Line CinemaSince even before the release of the films in 2001, there have been rumors ofheading to an Orlando theme park. Now the story has popped yet again, and this time it has some interesting corresponding data that seems to back it up.One of the leading sources of Universal rumors has been the well-respected Josh Young of Theme Park University. The attraction would cause both Blutos and the Dudley Do-Right themed log flume ride to close. Despite their popularity, both attractions represent a different era of Universal, when budget concerns were much more of a focus than they are today. At Universal Studios Florida, the rumors have included new lands themed to Pokmon, Trolls, Despicable Me, and Star Trek .

ClickO on the Go: What new proposal could mean for college athletes; Epic Universe updatePublished: October 25, 2019, 11:54 amFollow @News6WKMG on Snapchat and Instagram for all your weekday news and weather from ClickO on the Go in two minutes or less.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The opening date for Universal's third theme park in the Sunshine State has been announced during a Comcast earnings call. We think the theme park business is a great business for us and we're going to be making the investments to try to grow cash flow aggressively in the future," one executive said during Thursdays call. The opening date comes two months after Universal Orlando announced construction had begun for Epic Universe. Epic Universe is a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." READ NEXT: Scare scale: An inside look at Halloween Horror NightsCentral Florida theme parks have been rolling out new lands and ride ideas all year.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The opening date for Universal's third theme park in the Sunshine State has been announced during a Comcast earnings call. The opening date comes two months after Universal Orlando announced construction had begun for Epic Universe. https://t.co/Q85QrITn7z pic.twitter.com/KkWhAUkKxC News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) August 1, 2019Epic Universe is a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." In June, Islands of Adventure welcomed its newest coaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which has been a hit with theme park enthusiasts and tourists alike. READ NEXT: Scare scale: An inside look at Halloween Horror NightsCentral Florida theme parks have been rolling out new lands and ride ideas all year.

click to enlarge Image via NBC UniversalWe've known Orlando's next theme park was going to be "epic" since Aug. 1. That's when Universal Studios first announced Epic Universe, its fourth Central Florida park, was coming to Orlando.Now we know it's set to open in 2023, according to company officials during a Comcast earnings call on Thursday. We are going to make the largest investment we've ever made in the park and maybe in the state of Florida in any business to launch Universal's Epic Universe. Universal has been a long-standing competitor to Disney since opening its first park in Orlando nearly 30 years ago. Epic Universe is just the latest attempt by the company to bridge the gap with its fiercest competitor.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Workers for a city-owned utility have signed nondisclosure agreements with Universal Orlando Resort, but open-government experts say it may go against the state's public records laws. A Universal spokesman tells the Orlando Sentinel the company is only protecting trade secrets as it prepares to build its Epic Universe theme park. But open-government experts say the Orlando Utilities Commission is municipally-owned and must follow the state's public records laws. The agreements say Universal can sue workers for a breach. University of Florida law professor Mark Fenster says the utility can't contract away its Sunshine Law obligations.

The coaster may reach a top speed in excess of 70 mph.It's thought that the new coaster may be the first step of a multi-phase overhaul to the Jurassic Park area to become Jurassic World. A Jurassic World land was floated as a potential franchise for the new Epic Universe park, but concept art now seems to confirm that is not the case, leaving the Jurassic Park area ripe for a redo. Blue, the raptor from Jurassic World, already meets guests at IOA's Jurassic Park area. Construction fence logos around the new construction site also seem to point to the Jurassic World design.Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic Park shoot-the-chute flume ride was recently overhauled and rethemed to Jurassic World. Universal has yet to indicate if the Orlando version of the water ride will be re-themed, but Universal officials have not denied the possibility.The VELOCICOASTER is expected to open in early 2021.

The post had a note that stated the project will be announced on August 22. No other details were shared.The Walt Disney Company is one of the largest companies in the world, and the announcement gives no clue as to what department within the company to which it is linked. There have even been investors who have stated the company should buy Twitter , thoughis probably enough racism for one company. That has led some to speculate that the announcement might be related to CEO Bob Iger's retirement in 2021. A decision of that type though isn't typical for a mostly fan-focused expo, but neither are late additions of "secret projects."

"Despite these comments, only the park's concept art was released. Few details were given at the press event but one, albeit vague, piece of concept art was provided. The Epic Universe concept art seems to show a comparable design with certain rides, restaurants, and retail venues scattered along the corridor. The concept art looks nearly identical to the leaked photos of the scale model. The concept art shows a family coaster and what looks to be a double Gerstlauer Sky-Fly attraction.

ORLANDO, Fla. - There's a new theme park coming soon to Florida, and this one promises to be epic. Universal Orlando announced Thursday construction had begun for Epic Universe, a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." The massive new park is the company's first new property since water park Volcano Bay opened in May 2017. CEO Tom Williams said Epic Universe is the "most immersive and innovative theme park" in its lineup, which also includes Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Universal execs stayed mum on just which franchises would occupy Epic Universe, but they promised guests would encounter "beloved stories" throughout the sprawling park.

ORLANDO, Fla. - After months of speculation following the company's repurchase of a hefty plot of land, Universal announced plans Thursday to launch a new theme park called Epic Universe. Universal theme park CEO Tom Williams says Universals Epic Universe will be largest, most expensive project and best of all their theme parks around the world. Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and the additional team members hired as part of Epic Universe will include high-tech jobs and culinary and other specialized positions, according to Universal Orlando. CEO Tom Williams says Universals Epic Universe will employ 14,000 workers, base pay will be $15/ hour. We want to create a level of experience that, frankly, forever changes the theme park landscape as you know it today," Roberts said.

As if those attractions aren't epic enough, Universal just unveiled plans for a brand-new theme park: Epic Universe. Universal teased the theme park earlier this month and revealed some details on Thursday. "Universal's Epic Universe will offer an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment," according to the Universal Studios website. already have their own sections of the theme park, and it is unclear what, if any, movie characters Epic Universe will pay homage to. The new addition to the resort is expected to boast a theme park, entertainment center, hotels, restaurants and more.